Inspired by this thread. If somebody were to try to do a children’s TV special/album like Free to Be . . . You and Me today – could it be done, and how would it be updated to account for social changes in the last 30 years?
I’m not sure why you think it would need to be updated… Yes, you and I got the messages in the original, as did probably most of the other folks here on the Dope (even if they didn’t necessarily get the messages from the same source), but in case you haven’t noticed, there are still a lot of folks around who haven’t. Of course, those folks also aren’t in a demographic likely to go out and buy a re-release of the album, but we and our kids do still interact with them on a regular basis.
But, in the '70s, “Mommies can be anything they wanna be” was a revolutionary message. Now, not so much. Everybody accepts the idea of women being something other than housewives. A lot of the other stuff on the album likewise seems dated. And nowadays, it might be more important to give the kids messages about how to deal with poverty or dysfunctional parents, or say no to drugs, or be happy no matter how dangerous the world gets. Or maybe explain to them, in kid-friendly terms, just what are these “abortion” and “gay marriage” things all the grownups seem so worked up about.
My guess is that a similar album today would focus either on racism or on bullying, not gender equality and loosening gender roles. At least those have been the “hot topics” at my kid’s mixed-race school for years.
I think I might have a shot at producing a hardcore Nietzschean/Libertarian version in about 15 years. South Park and The Incredibles should lay the groundwork nicely…
“Remember what Uncle Freddy says, kids?” (adorable children’s chorus: “Mankind is something to be overcome! YAAAAAAY!”)
You forgot Aunt Aynnie!